Rita Gonzales

Rita Gonzales On April 29, 2013, with family by her side, the Lord put his arms around a beautiful angel, for Rita Gonzales has been called home to the heavenly kingdom of God. She was 75 years old. She was born April 5,1938, in Saticoy to Felipe Estrada and Ysabel Cano Estrada whom she now joins in heaven. She has been a resident of Oxnard for seventy-five years. She married the love of her life, Joe Gonzales, August 22, 1958, and was going on 55 years of marriage. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and volunteer. For over 20 years, she was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, tia and friend. She began her charity career in the religious teaching program of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She taught school age children to learn the basic doctrines of their faith. She started teaching these classes in her home and eventually retired from religious teaching at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Oxnard. Also during this time, she participated in many “Grupos de Oracion” where she would get together with a group of people, pray for people with special intentions,pray the rosary and sing alabanzas.” In 2000, the Lord called her to dedicate her time to a different type of charity work in the community. It was during this time, where she began as a volunteer at Catholic Charities in Oxnard. She was an active volunteer where she helped to feed hungry friends and neighbors of Ventura County. She even learned how to use a computer while doing some light office work. Here is where she met many young Seminarians that also volunteered their time as part of their education as they prepared to become priests. She befriended many of them and opened up her home and heart to them so that they could feel part of a family, since many of them were away from their own. She had the pleasure to see many of the young Seminarians become priests and even traveled as far as Texas to see one get ordained. It was not long before God called her to do a different type of charity work. She began as a volunteer at El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard. She taught a Citizenship class to those in the community that had applied for citizenship. She was hesitant at first, but this was her calling as she had so much patience and had a talent for relating the material in a way they could understand. She was loved by all her students and became known as, “La Maestra.” After her many years of charity and community work, she devoted her time to her family and caring for her grandkids. Rita loved her music (her oldies but goodies and her rancheras), crocheting, family BBQ’s, teaching others about the word of God and making rosaries. She also enjoyed cooking and baking. Her kitchen was a place where stories were shared, recipes were prepared and laughter was plentiful. She was infamously known for her “pappas.” Nobody made them like her. She was a very strong and courageous woman who derived meaning and purpose in her life by giving to others. People were touched deeply by her selflessness and unwavering spiritual faith. Rita was the glue that bonded her family together. She loved opening her home to all who needed help. She was a great listener and was known for sharing stories and all her “consejos.” In her honor, may a part of her thrive be in each of us now and forever. She is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, Joe Gonzales of Oxnard; six children, Joseph M. Gonzales (Rosie) of Oxnard, Robert M. Gonzales of Oxnard, Michael C. Gonzales (Jessica) of Whittier, David M. Gonzales (Lisa) of Oxnard, Raymond C. Gonzales of Oxnard and Cathy Herrera (Gilbert) of Santa Clarita. She also leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Sandra Gonzales of Oxnard, Joseph Gonzales of Oxnard, Darlene Gonzales of Oxnard, Jeanette Gonzales of Oxnard, Felicia Gonzales of Oxnard, James Gonzales of Oxnard, Priscilla Gonzales of Oxnard, Vincent Gonzales of Oxnard, Adam M. Gonzales of Whittier, Gilbert Herrera of Santa Clarita, Noah Herrera of Santa Clarita and Bella Herrera of Santa Clarita. She also leaves behind several great grandchildren: Isaiah, Thomas, Xavier, Joseph Gonzales and Julian Gonzales all of Oxnard. She also leaves behind her brothers: Tony Estrada of Orange, Felipe Estrada of Tustin and Guadalupe Estrada of Moreno Valley. She loved all of her family members. She is deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew her and her beautiful smile. The family wishes to express their thanks to the many acts of kindness shown by family and friends at this difficult time. We would also like to thank the staff at UCLA Medical Center of Santa Monica for the outstanding compassion and care that they provided to Rita and her family. I praise you Lord, for you have rescued me. A vigil for Rita will be held at the Perez Family Funeral Home located at 1347 Del Norte Rd. in Camarillo on Tuesday, May 7,from 5 to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be held Wednesday, May 8, 10 a.m. at Santa Clara Catholic Church located in Oxnard at 323 So. E. St. Interment to follow mass at Santa Clara Cemetery. Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is the Perez family Funeral Home.